1998 General Studies, all questions

UPSC Prelims 1998 · General Studies

Question 126: Science and Technology

Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists: List I I. Blue vitriol II. Epsom salt III. Baking soda IV. Caustic soda List II A) Sodium bicarbonate B) Sodium hydroxide C) Magnesium sulphate D) Copper sulphate

aI-C, II-D, III-B, IV-A
bI-D, II-C, III-A, IV-B
cI-C, II-D, III-A, IV-B
dI-D, II-A, III-B, IV-A

AnswerThe answer is (b).

Blue vitriol is copper sulphate, Epsom salt is magnesium sulphate, baking soda is sodium bicarbonate, and caustic soda is sodium hydroxide. So I-D, II-C, III-A and IV-B. Remember the others as well: washing soda is sodium carbonate, and green vitriol is iron sulphate.

  • I. Blue vitriol is copper sulphate (D).
  • II. Epsom salt is magnesium sulphate (C).
  • III. Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate (A).
  • IV. Caustic soda is sodium hydroxide (B).
Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) Swaps blue vitriol with Epsom salt, and baking soda with caustic soda.
  • (b) Right: copper sulphate, magnesium sulphate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium hydroxide.
  • (c) Swaps blue vitriol (copper sulphate) with Epsom salt (magnesium sulphate).
  • (d) Epsom salt is magnesium sulphate, not sodium bicarbonate.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1998, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.